Manitoba Targets to Reduce Surgery Wait Times with $5.3M

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is spending more than $5.3 million to increase the number of hip replacements, knee replacements and cataract surgeries in the province this year.

Health Minister Cameron Friesen said Thursday the measure is being introduced to cut down on patient wait times.

The province says the increased funding will allow for at least 1,000 more hip and knee replacements this year. In 2017-18, more than 4,100 hip and knee replacement surgeries were performed, along with 12,900 cataract surgeries.

“Our orthopedic and cataract surgery teams in Winnipeg have done an excellent job in increasing the number of procedures possible with existing resources, while ensuring safe and quality care,” said Real Cloutier, president and CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The funding will allow for at least 2,000 additional cataract surgeries next year to be performed at Misericordia Health Centre. The additional hip and knee surgeries will be performed at Concordia Hospital, Grace Hospital, Health Science Centre Winnipeg and the Boundary Trails Health Centre in southern Manitoba.